Michelle
Response: In private schools, the minimum job requirements for teachers are left to the discretion of the individual school, since they are privately funded. While there is no state regulatory body or agency responsible for dictating or setting minimum job requirements, there seems to be a preference for teachers with a teacher credential. Further, teachers with a credential or a graduate degree may receive higher pay.
That is not to say that your bachelor's degree and CBEST would not be sufficient for you to get an interview with a school. According to a representative of Cal/West Educators Placement (CWEP), an agency that specializes in the placement of teachers in private and independent school settings, some schools only require a bachelor's degree and the CBEST.
Regarding your inquiry about teaching in a religious school setting, it is likely that as part of the school curriculum you will be required to teach courses that relate to that particular religion. You may need specialized knowledge or additional certifications. For example, there are private Christian schools that require their teachers to have certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Certifications or special knowledge may also be required by Jewish schools, Catholic schools or Armenian schools.
Job Resources
The following is specific contact information on the previously noted Cal/West Educators Placement agency:
- Cal/West Educators Placement (CWEP)
- 5129 Amestoy Ave.
- Encino, CA 91316
- (800) 390-4737
- www.calwesteducators.com
- E-mail: resume@calwesteducators.com
- Encino, CA 91316
The following is a "sister company" of Cal/West Educators Placement that specializes in the placement of substitute teachers in private schools:
- Teachers On Reserve
- 11334 Camarillo St.
- North Hollywood, CA 91602
- (800) 457-1899
- www.teachersonreserve.com
- North Hollywood, CA 91602
Substitute teaching is a good way to familiarize yourself with schools that may be of interest to you. Further, substitute teaching is a good way to network and get your foot in the door and position yourself to secure a permanent position when an opening occurs.
- California Association of Independent Schools
- 1351 3rd St.
- Santa Monica, CA 90401
- (310) 393-5161
- www.caisca.org
- Santa Monica, CA 90401
For example, the association provides a listing of approximately 60 private (K-12) member schools in the Los Angeles County area. Information provided includes school address, web site and a contact person such as the headmaster or principal. You can call the association and request a free hard copy of this directory.
Pay
Substitute Teacher
The hourly pay for substitute teachers ranges from $12 to $18 per hour. Teachers work from four to eight hours per day.
You may also be paid by the day depending on the school. For example, according to a representative of a school in the Los Angeles County area, the pay of substitute teachers is $65 per day.
Full-Time Teacher
According to a representative of Cal West Educators, the pay of full-time teachers ranges from approximately $28,000 to $40,000 per year.
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.
E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
StumbleUpon